REFLECTING ON THE PAST TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The tall oak trees bear witness to the community that rests beneath them. Tombstones and burial markers leave a record of those that came before me. These ancestors at rest in Odd Fellows Cemetery built a future for Knoxville’s black residents. I come to visit the grave of William Francis Yardley, the first black lawyer in Knoxville who was admitted to practice law in 1873.1 My magenta and white flowers are a tribute to him and his work. He committed his life to public service.

As an environmental lawyer, I answered the call to work toward solving problems of public interest. When I was a second grader, I learned about the endangered species crisis. It was at that time that I knew I was supposed to work in the environmental field in some capacity. I dedicated myself to understanding environmental issues and solutions through my undergraduate studies focusing on aquatic ecology, my law studies, and my graduate work in ecology.

In my career, I served as in-house counsel for environmentallyfocused nonprofits addressing water pollution, recycling, and other sustainability matters. Now, as a state attorney, I support the implementation of regulatory programs designed to manage solid waste, hazardous waste, underground storage tanks, and remediation. I also provide legal support to advance the state’s development of sustainable practices and policy planning. As an adjunct law professor, I make space for law students to explore environmental justice concerning Indigenous communities.

Do I feel privileged to be a lawyer every day? No. Law practice can be challenging and at times it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders due to the nature of my practice area. Environmental problems are some of the most immense issues of our day. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, access to clean drinking water, biodiversity loss, nature deficit disorder, and managing hazardous wastes are multifaceted challenges that can feel overwhelming. Even so, through my legal expertise and the legacy of lawyer forebearers like Mr. Yardley, I am an agent of change to make the world a better place.

It is a privilege to do work that has statewide significance. Tennessee is a hotspot of biodiversity.2 As one of the most biodiverse states, there are more than 325 fish, 89 mammal, 61 reptile, 70 amphibian, and 340 bird species known to inhabit or migrate through Tennessee. Over 2,300 varieties of plants call Tennessee home as well. In my role as a state attorney, I act to be a steward of the natural environment and to enhance the quality of life for Tennessee residents. Regarding specific areas of emphasis advancing environmental stewardship, the draft state budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 includes:

§ $70 million to clean up state superfund sites, Oak Ridge Reservation, and all 47 known dry cleaner sites;

§ $6.3 million for the Rural Brownfields Investment Act to revitalize 175 known brownfield sites, creating a new state-administered grant and technical support program for remediation and economic development of existing brownfields;

§ $4.7 million in grant funding to improve local water quality by optimizing wastewater treatment plants, collaborating with agricultural partners to practice best management principles and supporting cities with reduction of nutri- ents in stormwater; and

§ Over $156 million to enhance public lands such as the Cumberland Trail, Natchez Trace Recreation Area, and Wolf River Greenway.3

Additionally, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $3.5 billion for cleaning up Superfund sites located across the United States. These places are in need of remediation from legacy pollution.4 The Environmental Protection Agency has dedicated over $109 million to National Priorities List sites in Tennessee. These sites include Smoky Mountain Smelters ($4 million allocated) and the Chattanooga Southside site ($87.7 million allocated).5 As a government attorney, I have the opportunity to support these strategic developments to address legacy pollution, update infrastructure, improve water quality, and enhance public lands. These measures can be restorative to the natural world. They can also help provide clean land, air, and water for present and future generations of Tennessee residents.

It is a privilege to serve others through my legal work. In my past nonprofit work, I often assisted individuals that felt unheard and had less expertise navigating the complexities of environmental law. Whether it be local residents facing water pollution impacting their families or protecting Tennessee forests and streams from contamination, it was a privilege to have people trust me enough to help with some of their worst problems. I have also served on the boards of environmental nonprofits with missions like equipping young people for green jobs and promoting civic science to address environmental issues that affect people. Working in community to improve environmentally-related outcomes was personally rewarding and beneficial to others.

It is a privilege to be able to continue the work of my ancestors in the field of public service. During his career, Mr. Yardley represented black residents in cases where they may not have received good legal counsel otherwise and served in political leadership as an alderman. He strived to help create an inclusive community for all. Mr. Yardley, like other early black lawyers, often knew their work was not just about them—it was transformative for all members of the black community. These activities provided access for lawyers, like me, who followed him.

Mr. Yardley’s tombstone documents his birth and transition to ancestorhood. It is humbling to reflect on his legacy. I hope that my work continues to make a positive impact on the world in my particular field of environmental protection.

1 W.

Squire William Francis Yardley (1844-1924): Knoxville, Tennessee’s First African American Lawyer, Powell, TN: Thomas Publishing Press, 2014.

2 Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Wildlife Action Plan Information https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/action-plan.html (accessed online March 10, 2023).

3 Office of the Governor. Gov. Lee Delivers 2023 State of the State Address –“Tennessee: Leading the Nation,” February 06, 2023. https://www.tn.gov/governor/ news/2023/2/6/gov-lee-delivers-2023-state-of-the-state-address-tennessee-leading-the-nation.html (accessed online March 8, 2023).

4 H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, https://www.congress.gov/ bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684 (Accessed online March 10, 2023).

5 Naturally Tennessee: 2022 Annual Report, https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/ environment/documents/annual-reports/tdec-annual-report-2022.pdf (Accessed online March 10, 2023).

Top Ten List

By: Jason Long Lewis Thomason, P.C.